A heat pump system without the need for ground drilling, without an outdoor unit, and without using ventilation air as a source. Moreover, it operates completely silently, making it practically inaudible. Is that possible? Absolutely! How? By integrating a water/water heat pump into your home and installing PVT heat pump panels on the roof.

What are PVT heat pump panels? In the Netherlands, for decades, conventional solar collectors and PV panels (solar panels) have been installed to benefit from sustainable energy sources like the sun. Solar collectors are used to heat water using a solar boiler, while PV panels generate green electricity. The downside is that you can only cover your roof once with panels.

The combination of both technologies in one panel offers the advantage of utilizing the same roof surface for both heating water and generating sustainable electricity. These combined panels are colloquially known as PVT heat pump panels, where "PV" stands for 'PhotoVoltaic,' and "T" stands for 'Thermal.'

The PVT heat pump panel This panel is a special type of solar panel with a heat exchanger on the back. In addition to generating electricity, the 'T-part' recovers heat from sunlight/daylight and outdoor air, serving as an energy source for a water/water heat pump. A package of eight PVT heat pump panels can, for example, act as a source for a combination water/water heat pump with a heating capacity of 6 kW.

Technology behind PVT panels The core of the PVT heat pump panel consists of a heat exchanger with copper tubes and aluminum fins, corrosion-resistant thanks to a special coating. On top of the fins, there is a plastic layer with PV cells for optimal heat transfer. By connecting eight PVT heat pump panels, a powerful energy source is created on just 16 m2 of roof space. This compact source fits both pitched and flat roofs.

Energy sources for PVT heat pump panels PVT heat pump panels utilize two heat sources: outdoor air and sunlight/daylight. The panels extract heat from the ambient air due to their large contact surface, enhanced by the movement of the wind. Additionally, the sun shining on the PV panels contributes to the heat supply. The heat in the fins is then absorbed by the medium and directed to the source side of the water/water heat pump. In short, PVT heat pump panels provide energy for central heating and hot water production even at night, just like an air/water heat pump, even in freezing temperatures.